Whether you have a pool or are planning to install one in your backyard, you already have the most important requirement to throw a memorable and fun pool party. With a little bit of planning, you can treat your guests to a pool party they’ll look forward to every year.
From pool party themes to games and snacks, we’ve put together this pool party planning guide to help you throw the ultimate backyard event.
Pool Party Theme
While you don’t necessarily need a theme or occasion to throw a party, you can also take advantage of holidays and events to get your friends and family together. Grab your calendar and decide which upcoming holidays or weekends will work best to plan your pool party.
Holiday Pool Parties
With days off from school and work, the summer holidays are some of the best times to throw a swimming pool party. These resources will help you make the most of your summer holidays.
Memorial Day Pool Party
Although National Pool Opening Day falls on the last Saturday in April, Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer and the perfect holiday to plan your first summer pool party. Before you plan your menu and invite your guests, make sure you take the proper steps to open your pool for the season.
Once you’ve removed the winter safety cover, cleaned your pool and balanced the water, it’s time to start planning! Some things to consider to make your party one to remember:
- Decorations
- Food & drinks
- Music
- Activities
Follow this step-by-step guide to kick off your summer with a Memorial Day pool party.
Fourth of July Pool Party
By the time July rolls around, the summer heat has kicked in and there’s nothing quite like a refreshing dip in a backyard pool. Celebrate Independence Day with friends, family and neighbors and enjoy poolside refreshments and water games before the sun sets and the fireworks commence.
The Fourth of July is perfect for planning parties because you can add patriotic decorations and make red, white and blue snacks and desserts. Need some inspiration? Here are some tried-and-true Fourth of July swimming pool party ideas.
Spring Pool Parties
If you’re fortunate enough to live in a part of the country where the spring weather is warm enough for swimming, why wait until summer to throw a pool party? You don’t need a special event to throw a party, but springtime ushers in a number of important milestones including:
- Graduation
- Prom
- Wedding season
- Retirement
No matter the occasion, host the hottest party of the season with these pool party ideas for spring events.
Pool Party Movie Night
Need another reason to get everyone together for some outdoor fun? Why not host a good old-fashioned backyard movie night!? You can hang out in the pool while the sun’s out and then set up a projector or sheet and watch a classic movie under the stars!
Pick your favorite movie and get the popcorn ready, then follow this guide to host a pool party movie night.
Grown-Up Pool Parties
Just like adult swim at the community pool, sometimes you want to have some kid-free fun. From preparation and décor to the menu and finishing touches, check out these ideas for your adult pool party.
Pool Party Accessories
Besides the décor to complement your theme, here are some poolside accessories you may want to consider for entertainment and convenience.
Floating Cooler
No one wants to have to run back inside constantly for drink refills. With a floating pool cooler, your guests don’t even have to get out of the water.
LED Lights
Set the ambiance with your pool lighting. You can also treat your guests to an underwater light show.
Pool Speakers
Set your playlist and connect your smartphone to a waterproof wireless speaker.
We’ve got some other ideas to help you plan ahead. Here are our recommendations for must-have pool party accessories.
Pool Party Games
While you’ll certainly have lots to catch up on with your party guests, you may also want to organize some fun pool party games for your attendees.
Whether you’re planning a kid’s birthday party or a classier event for older guests, pick your favorite pool games and grab all the necessary supplies.
Here are some of our favorite pool party games for you to choose from:
Pool Party Food, Drinks and Snacks
Now that you’ve got your theme and your games and events planned, it’s time to talk about your menu. You can go with the classic BBQ foods like hamburgers and hot dogs, make fun appetizers and snacks or plan a potluck-style gathering.
Looking for some delicious dips and small plate ideas that your guests will love? We compiled some of our favorite poolside snack recipes.
How to Throw the Perfect Swimming Pool Party
Any big event requires some amount of planning, but when you work out all the details for the food, theme, games and accessories ahead of time, it gives you and your guests more time to enjoy the pool and each other’s company.
Use the resources we’ve compiled here to plan ahead and make fun but important decisions about food, themes, activities and more. Once you’ve done the planning, the only thing left to do is jump in (feet first for safety) and have fun!
If you’re dreaming of throwing epic pool parties but still unsure of how to get the party started simply hook up your wireless speaker and press play on our pool party playlist below.
Hi there, I really enjoy all of your suggestions! These are great for any events and special occasions. Thanks for sharing.